Natural Sites

Cedar Forest

The Cedar Forest of the Small Luberon is a historic forested area. It was planted from 1861 onwards with seeds taken from the Algerian Middle Atlas mountains;

The first trees reached maturity around 1920; these second generation cedars are between 65 and 75 years old and are planted in the spaces left free by the old ones.

Around 1930 there were around 120 acres of cedars. But the area was extended after a catastrophic fire in 1952 destroyed several thousand acres of trees. Only the core of the cedar forest was left. But after some years it was noticed that the cedars naturally reproduced themselves because the periphery was denuded and also because the species has a great capacity to regenerate itself.
So here is the third generation of cedars which are now around 40 to 45 years old. At the present time, the cedar forest covers an area of 500 acres divided up between the communes of Bonnieux, Lacoste and Ménerbes.

By the presence of the cedars and the density of their foliage, the quality of the soil has improved considerably and has produced a mini climate which is humid and temperate. These two factors have facilitated the planting of bushes. In the clearings of the cedar forest there are now rare and protected species of vegetation.

The points of interest of a cedar tree are:

· Its irregular form, its variegated colours and its majestic height makes for a landscape of great beauty

· Because of its dense foliage, visitors can wander around and appreciate the area under the trees, which is temperate and fresh.

· Of all the species in the Mediterranean forests, the cedar is the least inflammable and combustible. This advantage makes it the tree of choice when trees are planted and encourages its further use.

· Its wood, although not well known or valued, is of great quality, sweet smelling and with a lovely colour and dense. It also does not rot.

· Apart from its ecological and economic interest, the cedar always was the object of respect by people of ancient times. A mythological tree and the symbol of immortality, it is still considered sacred today by some religions.

A poetic and complex garden which invites meditation.

This contemporary garden is a reflection of plants in Provence, arranged in many areas in a succession of terraces in which the stones and plants are in narrow lines. It is a palette of green leaves and a stroll there provides serenity and peacefulness. It was created in the 90’s by Nicole de Vesian and the current owner, Mme Judith Pillsbury, seriously regards herself as conservator of this patrimony and has made it evolve with great skill and delicatesse. This garden was given the title of ‘The Amazing Garden’ in 2007.

Visit the website (except in July and August) can be made by phoning 0490759190. For groups of at least 10 persons, the charge is €10 per person.

The fort of Buoux

One of the fortresses of the Luberon, the fort of Buoux was built on a rocky outcrop in a valley enclosed by high cliffs.

The site has been occupied since the middle of the Palaeolithic era because it offers shelter under the rocks which fence in this valley.

The promontory was occupied as a stronghold since Celtic times.

The high Middle Ages saw the establishment of this ‘oppidum’ as a veritable fortress in the heart of the Luberon. In this era there was a village, though nothing remains of this. The fort of Buoux was dismantled by Louis XIV in 1660 ( during his great campaign of restructuring and rebuilding fortresses) after having been used throughout the Wars of Religion.

You arrive at this site from the west side, via a mediaeval bastion in front of the gate. One enters the fort by a gate in the west wall dating from the 13C.During the tour, we can discover here and there ramparts, cisterns, silos, and old dwellings, gates, a moat and also a beautiful panorama over the area. The fort is marked out with 37 important places to see.

Even if a number of elements are completely in ruins, wandering off one can come across the remains of a beautiful door and, with a bit of imagination, one can envisage this superb fortress as it used to be and appreciate the beauty of the site.


	Natural Sites Cedar Forest The Cedar Forest of the Small Luberon is a historic forested area. It was planted from 1861 onwards with seeds taken from the Algerian Middle Atlas mountains; The first trees reached maturity around 1920; these second generation cedars are between 65 and 75 years old and are planted in the spaces left free by the old ones. Around 1930 there were around 120 acres of cedars. But the area was extended after a catastrophic fire in 1952 destroyed several thousand acres of trees. Only the core of the cedar forest was left. But after some years it was noticed that the cedars naturally reproduced themselves because the periphery was denuded and also because the species has a great capacity to regenerate itself. So here is the third generation of cedars which are now around 40 to 45 years old. At the present time, the cedar forest covers an area of 500 acres divided up between the communes of Bonnieux, Lacoste and Ménerbes. By the presence of the cedars and the density of their foliage, the quality of the soil has improved considerably and has produced a mini climate which is humid and temperate. These two factors have facilitated the planting of bushes. In the clearings of the cedar forest there are now rare and protected species of vegetation. The points of interest of a cedar tree are: · Its irregular form, its variegated colours and its majestic height makes for a landscape of great beauty · Because of its dense foliage, visitors can wander around and appreciate the area under the trees, which is temperate and fresh. · Of all the species in the Mediterranean forests, the cedar is the least inflammable and combustible. This advantage makes it the tree of choice when trees are planted and encourages its further use. · Its wood, although not well known or valued, is of great quality, sweet smelling and with a lovely colour and dense. It also does not rot. · Apart from its ecological and economic interest, the cedar always was the object of respect by people of ancient times. A mythological tree and the symbol of immortality, it is still considered sacred today by some religions. A poetic and complex garden which invites meditation. This contemporary garden is a reflection of plants in Provence, arranged in many areas in a succession of terraces in which the stones and plants are in narrow lines. It is a palette of green leaves and a stroll there provides serenity and peacefulness. It was created in the 90’s by Nicole de Vesian and the current owner, Mme Judith Pillsbury, seriously regards herself as conservator of this patrimony and has made it evolve with great skill and delicatesse. This garden was given the title of ‘The Amazing Garden’ in 2007. Visit the website (except in July and August) can be made by phoning 0490759190. For groups of at least 10 persons, the charge is €10 per person. The fort of Buoux One of the fortresses of the Luberon, the fort of Buoux was built on a rocky outcrop in a valley enclosed by high cliffs. The site has been occupied since the middle of the Palaeolithic era because it offers shelter under the rocks which fence in this valley. The promontory was occupied as a stronghold since Celtic times. The high Middle Ages saw the establishment of this ‘oppidum’ as a veritable fortress in the heart of the Luberon. In this era there was a village, though nothing remains of this. The fort of Buoux was dismantled by Louis XIV in 1660 ( during his great campaign of restructuring and rebuilding fortresses) after having been used throughout the Wars of Religion. You arrive at this site from the west side, via a mediaeval bastion in front of the gate. One enters the fort by a gate in the west wall dating from the 13C.During the tour, we can discover here and there ramparts, cisterns, silos, and old dwellings, gates, a moat and also a beautiful panorama over the area. The fort is marked out with 37 important places to see. Even if a number of elements are completely in ruins, wandering off one can come across the remains of a beautiful door and, with a bit of imagination, one can envisage this superb fortress as it used to be and appreciate the beauty of the site.
History - Accomodations - Entertaining - Heritage - Nature - Events - Contact - Infos légales - Links
Walks and itineraries - Natural sites - Sporting activities